Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Higher Risk

Routine breast cancer screening is important for all women, but even more so for those at higher than average risk. If you're at higher risk of breast cancer, you may need to be screened earlier and more often than other women.

A woman is considered at higher risk if she has one factor that greatly increases risk or several factors that together, greatly increase risk.

Your health care provider may use different tools to assess your risk and help you make a personalized breast cancer screening plan.

Figure 3.5 below outlines the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) breast cancer screening guidelines for women at higher than average risk up to age 75. The NCCN recommends women older than 75 talk with their health care providers about a breast cancer screening plan that’s right for them.

Every 6-12 months starting starting at age found to be at increased risk by risk model

Every year starting 10 years younger than the youngest breast cancer case in the family (but not before age 30)

Every year starting 10 years younger than the youngest breast cancer case in the family (but not before age 25)

If you have a first-degree relative with a BRCA1/2 gene mutation, you’re encouraged to talk with your health care provider about genetic testing before getting MRI as part of screening (for those who do not wish to have genetic testing, MRI is recommended)

Women Should Have Access to and Coverage for Mammography

Susan G. Komen® believes all women should have access to regular screening mammograms when they and their health care providers decide it is best based on their personal risk of breast cancer. In addition, screening should be covered by insurance companies, government programs and other third-party payers. Read more.

Our Breast Care Helpline 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) provides free, professional support services to anyone with breast cancer questions or concerns, including people diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. Calls are answered by a trained and caring staff member Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET and from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT. You can also email the helpline at helpline@komen.org.

Komen Affiliates offer breast health education as well as fund breast cancer programs through local community organizations. Your local Affiliate may also help you find breast cancer resources in your area. Find your local Affiliate.